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Wines like Sangiovese

Italy’s most planted variety and the grape behind Chianti and Brunello — high in acid, firm in tannin, and built for food. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Sangiovese?

Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.

I like…

How fresh and crisp it is The firm, grippy structure The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or acidic too oaky or woody too green or grassy too peppery too earthy or musty too savoury or funky

Clear all

What these words mean

How fresh and crisp it is: Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
The firm, grippy structure: High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
The vanilla and oak: Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
The herbal, green side: Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
The spice: Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
The savoury, meaty side: Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
The earthy, mineral side: Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.

Looking for something keeping the savoury, non-fruity character and the fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too sharp or acidic and too savoury or funky.

You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about acidity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the fresh, crisp acidity and that it is too sharp or acidic. Both are about perceived freshness, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about savoury character, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
You said you like the savoury, non-fruity character and that it is too savoury or funky. Both are about fruit intensity, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.

Based on what you said

Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Nero d’Avola

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Nero di Troia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Rioja Crianza

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Fetească Neagră

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less sharp or acidic.
Substantially less savoury or funky.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Nero d’Avola

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Nero d’Avola

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Nero di Troia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Change the structure

Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.

Similar but lighter

Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.

Trousseau

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.

Dolcetto

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

País

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more restrained in fruit.

Tibouren

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but lower in alcohol

Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.

Cru Beaujolais

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.

Trousseau

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.

Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more restrained in fruit.

País

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more restrained in fruit.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.

Bolgheri

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Petit Verdot

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.

Touriga Nacional

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Nero d’Avola

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Rioja Crianza

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

California Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and riper and less green.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Petit Verdot

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.

Touriga Nacional

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.

Montefalco Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.

Mavrud

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.

Barbera

curated

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Barbera d’Asti

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Rosso di Montalcino

Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Loire Cabernet Franc

Loire Cabernet Franc scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Bolgheri

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Fetească Neagră

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Montsant

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Lambrusco

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more fruit-driven.

Franciacorta

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Touriga Nacional

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.

Port

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Late Bottled Vintage Port

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but less oaky

One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.

Nero di Troia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Bobal

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.

Prokupac

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.

Trousseau

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and riper and less green.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Bolgheri

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Ribera del Duero

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and riper and less green.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more restrained in fruit.

Syrah

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more savoury.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Sémillon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and less tannic and softer.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and fresher.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Malbec

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and riper and less green.

Cabernet Franc

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more restrained in fruit.

Petit Verdot

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and riper and less green.

Pinot Noir

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and more restrained in fruit.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.

Northern Rhône Syrah

Northern Rhône Syrah scores closest to Sangiovese across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher.

Xinomavro

curated

A high-acid, tannic, tomato-and-olive-scented red that occupies very similar territory.

Expect: Even more austere when young, with a distinctly Greek savoury character.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Nero d’Avola

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Nero di Troia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Chianti

Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more savoury.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Rosso di Montalcino

Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and more oaky.

Rosso di Montalcino

Both are made from sangiovese, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.

Brunello di Montalcino

Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Both are made from sangiovese, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fresher and more acidic.

Change the mood

Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.

A safe next step

Well-known wines that are widely available and unlikely to surprise anyone.

Super Tuscan

Both are made from sangiovese, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be less spicy, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Rioja Crianza

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Nero d’Avola

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Nero di Troia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Fetească Neagră

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

A better-value alternative

Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.

Nero d’Avola

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Nero di Troia

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.

Fetească Neagră

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be riper and less green, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Ribera del Duero

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fuller and richer.

Priorat

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Amarone della Valpolicella

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and fruitier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and more savoury.

How these are chosen

Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.